1957 Alpine A 108 vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Alpine A 108. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Alpine A 108 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mazda 121 (90 HP) has 41 more horse power than 1957 Alpine A 108. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1957 Alpine A 108. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 584 kg more than 1957 Alpine A 108. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1979 Mazda 121 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Alpine A 108. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Alpine A 108.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Alpine A 108 | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Alpine | Mazda |
| Model | A 108 | 121 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 904 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 90 HP |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2520 mm |
